Injera-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Berbere Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant vegetable stir fry infused with Ethiopian berbere spices and served with a tangy berbere sauce inspired by traditional injera flavors. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 30 minutes blends medium carrot, julienned, medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons, large red bell pepper, thinly sliced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Toss in 1 medium julienned carrot, 1 medium zucchini sliced into half-moons, and 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1/4 cup water, mixing well to coat the vegetables. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Injera-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Berbere Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Injera-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Berbere Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Injera-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Berbere Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Injera-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Berbere Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Injera-Spiced Vegetable Stir Fry with Berbere Sauce vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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